Sun Princess was 115 nautical miles from the stranded ship’s estimated position and diverted from her course to Champagne Bay. During the night Sun Princess located the boat with the 5 onboard.

They were examined by ship’s medical staff and Sun Princess resumed her scheduled passage to Champagne Bay.

Yesterday, the cruise ship hosted Vanuatu government officials in Vila when the captain and crew were thanked for the rescue.

‘We’re pleased that we were able to assist in this successful search and rescue operation and we are relieved that all five passengers are recovering from their experience,’ Princess Cruises' vp Australia & New Zealand, Stuart Allison, said.

‘It must have been a huge relief for the five people on board the stranded boat to see a big white cruise ship appear on the scene when they were in such need.

‘We are very pleased that we could play a role in achieving such a positive outcome.'

For reports on other Sun Princess cruise ship accidents see at CruiseMinus.com